Monday, September 13, 2010

I've been mulling for a while now on the direction I want to take my blog, and I've decided after much hard thinking that it's time to make some changes. Nothing too serious, but hopefully another small step in the right direction.

So, I'm proud to present "Rach Writes..." with my new blog address at http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com/. A big step for me, but one I did feel it would be worthwhile to take sooner rather than later.

That's got me thinking though, just how important is your public persona as a writer within the industry, on the internet, and generally around the traps???

How much effort do you put into building up your name recognition? Are you taking the time now to promote yourself within the blogosphere, or will you wait until you are published? If you are already published, do you still think about these issues, or did you sort them out at/before the time of your book launch?

11 comments:

Personally, I do think name recognition and developing a platform on the internet are important.

Like you, I've started this process even without being published. It can't hurt, right? And blog posts are good writing practice (and great procrastination).

At the very least, if you build up a following on your blog, those people are hopefully much more likely to be motivated to buy your book if/when publication happens. I also think the journey each writer takes on their way to publication makes interesting reading for those still on the path. I know I've spent countless hours reading other authors' websites and blogs for insight into how it all works...and I doubt I'm the only one!

I'm finding that one of the best parts about my blogging is getting to know other authors/aspiring writers/industry peeps out there in the blogosphere. I love to hear about their journeys, and it's giving me powerful motivation to keep writing, which of course is why I'm doing this to start with. And I'm starting to learn too just how beneficial it can be to build your brand recognition...(Am following your fantastic posts on blogging religiously Elana!) :)

I completely agree with the prvious comments. I've noticed how important it is to get involved with the online writing community, which is why I've started blogging even though I'm not quite finished my manuscript yet and haven't even started looking for an agent!

I also just started following Elana Johnson because I was so encouraged by everything I found on her blog :-)

Hey Quinn and Rachel, love your comments (and thanks for the great feedback on the new site look!!!) :)

It's amazing how much there is to learn about building a platform isn't it! I wonder, has anyone done an Aspiring Writers and Beginner Bloggers Platform-Building Crusade yet? Hmmm, might be a worthy ambition, to unite the aspiring writers and start-up industry bloggers together, so they can start to build a network amongst themselves (following along with sites, commenting regularly, retweeing, linking between sites, etc etc).

Actually...I think I might just start the Crusade myself. Stay tuned for further info, and drop me a comment if you're interested in taking part! :)

I started blogging because I wanted to get used to putting my words out into the world where people could read and comment on them (something that scared me). I considered it a great tool to get myself writing regularly. It has been a success on both counts.

I am no longer afraid to post my thoughts, so I've gotten much more confident in my words and my voice - something I'm sure translates to my WIPs. It's also definitely kept me writing regularly, and it gives me a diversion from my WIPs when I need one, which stirs the coals of creativity.

The best part, though, are all the people I've "met" in the process. I'm so glad to live in the Internet age, where writers can create communities from our own living rooms.

I'm not blogging to build a platform (yet), but I did have it in mind that I wanted to get used to doing it and figure out all the social media stuff before I got published. When I do, hopefully it will help me sell books, but I really believe what sells a book is a great story. That said, I think having an online presence is becoming more of an expectation among agents and editors than a "nice to have."

Rachael Harrie

I write YA Horror, Dark Fantasy, and Psychological Thrillers, and spend my day imagining evil plot twists and psychotic characters. When I'm not thinking up ways to make you squirm, you'll find me blogging up a storm (with the occasional Twitter and Facebook foray as well), planning for my next Campaign, wondering whether to make Write Hope a permanent fundraiser for charity, counting down the days to the next WriteOnCon, and diving into another round of critiques with my CPs.

I blog on every second Monday. And other times as the whim takes me :)

My WIP - DARK

Sixteen-year-old Sydney Price is blinded by the radical group Dark, who demand that she betray her scientist brother if she wants to save his life.

Top Writing Blog Award Finalist

Writers' Platform-Building Campaign

Member of SCBWI

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